New Louisiana Law to Put More Responsibility on Uninsured Motorists

(Baton Rouge, Louisiana) The State of Louisiana has an issue on the roads, and it's not just the potholes.

At one point, nearly 20% of drivers in the state had insurance, and that number has likely increased in recent years; thus, the Louisiana Legislature has had to address this problem recently.

Before House Bill 434, if someone was injured in a vehicle accident and didn't have automobile insurance, they were responsible for the first $15,000 in bodily injury costs (No Pay, No Play). That means, if someone hits you in an accident and you didn't have insurance, you had to come out of pocket for the first $15,000 in medical bills.

Well, that is about to change in Louisiana on August 1, 2025.

HB435 now raises the uninsured motorists' responsibility from $15,000 to $100,000. That means, if you don't have insurance and you're involved in a crash, you are now responsible for the first $100,000 in medical bills, and forfeit that portion in recovery.

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Local attorney Richard Kennedy III posted a video on social media explaining the law that will go into effect later this summer. Legislators hope that this increase in personal responsibility will motivate those without car insurance to get it.

After speaking with Richard, he explained that this will also deter some attorneys from representing those involved in minor accidents, as the first $100,000 in a case falls on the party who is not insured.

Here's Kennedy explaining the new law that's set to take effect in August.

Penalties for Driving in Louisiana Without Insurance

The penalties for driving without car insurance in Louisiana can be stiff. Not only can you be forced to pay fines, ranging from $500 to $1,000, but you may also lose your license or have your vehicle impounded by police.

Your registration may also be suspended for up to 180 days. Those without insurance may also fall under the "No Pay, No Play" curtain, which limits compensation after an accident.